Understanding Relaxation: psychophysiological mechanisms and interventions
Embedded Files
Relaxation is more than the mere absence of stress. It is a distinct psychological and physiological process that plays a critical role in maintaining mental and physical health. Despite its importance, relaxation remains poorly understood—particularly with regard to how it can be reliably induced and measured under controlled laboratory conditions.
My research addresses this gap by investigating a range of relaxation interventions, with a particular focus on breathing exercises and nature-based virtual reality. These approaches are studied in both healthy and clinical populations to better understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of relaxation.
A recent collaboration with Seroton has further expanded this line of research through the evaluation of their relaxation lounger. This partnership allows for a broader investigation into the environmental, sensory, and physiological factors that contribute to effective relaxation.
Relaxation and health
Drawing on my combined clinical and scientific training, I have examined relaxation processes in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This unique dual perspective enabled me to integrate experimental research within a clinical context.
Our findings indicate that individuals with BPD exhibit generally reduced mental and physiological relaxation levels compared to healthy controls. Importantly, however, their responsiveness to relaxation interventions appears comparable, suggesting preserved capacity for relaxation despite baseline dysregulation.
Additionally, a collaborative project with Prof. Jennifer Randerath and Melanie Tepfli provided me with the valuable opportunity to investigate the possible influence of post-COVID on alterations in the relaxation response.
Long-Term Effects of Early Life Adversity
Early life adversities, such as abuse or neglect, are well-established risk factors for impaired mental and physical health across the lifespan. However, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. My research focuses on distortions in the autonomic nervous system and the relaxation response as potential pathways linking early adversity to long-term outcomes.
Or results show that higher levels of adverse childhood experiences are associated with a blunted relaxation response—even in otherwise healthy individuals—highlighting lasting physiological alterations that may contribute to vulnerability.
Recovery Following Stress
Efficient recovery after stress is essential for restoring resources and preventing the long-term consequences of prolonged stress responses. My most recent research investigates individual differences in post-stress recovery, particularly in people with adverse childhood experiences or other chronic stressors.
In addition, another current project focuses on the question of whether targeted interventions can actively enhance recovery processes, with the goal of identifying strategies that promote resilience and protect long-term health.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse